Today, we proudly introduce Powerhome's first customer in the Wolverine Lake State, Dana Rosenthal's solar system. Michigan's first customer is used to being the first customer. He and his wife, Wendy, are both entrepreneurs. Dana is an architect, and his wife runs her own business, selling items online and in her storefront. Since they both work for themselves, it's no surprise that they see the value in utilizing solar panels for energy independence. Dana didn't realize his place in POWERHOME history until we told him about it during a visit to his home. Dana stated, "I didn't realize I was patient number one." His project was installed in late June 2017.
Early Experiences and Leadership
Dana has some experience being "patient number one" or getting ahead of the curve; he led three Michigan midget field hockey teams to state championships in the mid- to late-1990s, and he even started Virginia Tech's field hockey program as a student. As for his architectural practice, he calls himself a "one-man wrecking crew" because he rarely lets go of any part of his projects. He was even the first in his neighborhood to go solar, convincing one of his neighbors to partner with POWERHOME after they saw its value.
Solar System Installation and Benefits
Dana's solar system consists of 21 high precision solar panels with a total generating capacity of 6 kilowatts. The system was installed on a home in Wolverine Lake, Michigan, making it the first Powerhome solar customer in the area. Michigan has one of the highest electricity rates in the country, so going solar can significantly reduce electricity bills. Dana said, "I feel good." He gave us a good feeling, provided good information, and we had hours of conversation at the kitchen table. It seemed like we were a good fit.
Dana and his wife, Wendy, are committed to going green and sharing that message with others in a variety of ways. They don't just want to save money on their electric bill, they want to reduce their impact on the environment by going solar. They recently purchased an electric car, which Wendy uses to get to her nearby office, and in the first two weeks of owning the car, she hasn't used any gasoline. Dana believes that anything that can help reduce fossil fuel spending and energy production is worth promoting.
Location | Module | Power Generation |
Wolverine Lake, Michigan | 21 solar panels | 6 kW solar system |
Energy Independence and Economic Benefits
Solar power was a breeze for Dana, but not for his wife. After the installation, it took her about six to eight months to see her calculations and bills, but now she has that opportunity. Dana says, "She thinks I'm a little crazy, and maybe I am, but in the long run, she finally understands everything I sat down with the pros at Powerhome to discuss."
Dana saw how the calculations worked and how he would ultimately benefit. He understood that locking in a fixed price would benefit them financially in the long run as the cost of electricity continued to rise. He often explains these principles to potential clients in simple terms, "I try not to be highfalutin. I tell them how it works and how it will affect their bottom line. Financially, if you're paying the same amount per month for the installation, but your electric bill is going to continue to go up, 10%, 20% per year, then you're in a good position to lock in that price, and over time, your total expenses will go down."
Going Green with Your Lifestyle
Dana does feel the need to do their part. They don't just do it to save money on their electric bill, they do it to protect the environment. They are reducing their dependence on fossil fuels by using solar power, electric cars, and more. He believes that PowerHome is part of the lifestyle for anyone involved in solar, passive solar and geothermal. Dana's story has inspired many and he is willing to provide references for Powerhome to help those who want to know how solar energy can really work for their customers.
Not just content with his current accomplishments, Dana has many ideas for further greening the world and hopes to have the opportunity to work for Powerhome in the future. He sees that Powerhome.com customers believe in our mission as much as we do, and that's very rewarding for our staff. Dana says he will continue to promote the use of green energy and hopes that through his efforts, more people will realize the value of solar energy.
Overall, Dana Rosenthal's solar system has brought financial benefits to his family and contributed to environmental protection. His story demonstrates the great potential and value of solar energy and inspires more people to join in using green energy. We are confident that with Dana and his wife Wendy's efforts, they will continue to accomplish more on the path to green energy. Thank you to Dana for being our first customer in Michigan and for demonstrating the great potential and value of solar energy systems through his story. We look forward to more people like Dana joining the ranks of those using solar energy and working together to make a difference on our planet.